The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA) has removed postoperative pain relief from the licensed indications of prolonged-release morphine sulphate and prolonged-release oxycodone. The decision follows concerns over persistent postoperative opioid use (PPOU) and opioid-induced ventilatory impairment (OIVI).

The announcement comes after a safety review by the MHRA, which analysed data from clinical guidelines, literature, and regulatory sources.

A separate review by theCommission on Human Medicines (CHM) concluded that the risks of using prolonged-release opioids for short-term postoperative pain exceeded the benefits. The CHM recommended the removal of their indication for postoperative pain. 

Source: MEDspace